Will County Gazette

City of Joliet Committee on Citizens with Disabilities met Aug. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

ROLL CALL

Present Chairperson Tony Arellano, Pam Heavens, Kim Hudgens, Gary Jones, Veronica Pollard and John Jamontas

Absent Billie Jo Adams, Riley Spreadburry , Sherry Voight and Steven Voight

Also Present: Deputy Chief Joliet Fire Department John Koch, Executive Director UCP Center for Disability Services Brian Patel, Director of Daybreak Center Colleen Conwood

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Committee on Citizens with Disabilities Meeting Minutes 4-16-24

These Minutes were approved.

Committee on Citizens with Disabilities Meeting Minutes 5-21-2024

These Minutes were approved.

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.

AGENDA ITEM

Resolution of Frequency and Schedule of Committee Meeting

This Agenda Item was approved.

NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION

DISCUSSION: Accessibility Concerns at local Parks and Playgrounds

"Executive Director of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) - Center for Disability Services speaks on having the only all-accessible playground within City of Joliet limits. The importance of inclusion and accessibility of these parks is found to increase awareness and socialization of those with disabilities that may not get those experiences elsewhere. The UCP playground is on the center's private property, but the usage is encouraged for all within the neighborhood."

DISCUSSION: Housing Availability for Disabled Persons

"The Director of Daybreak Center, Colleen Conwood speaks on the shelter accessibility, capacity, and services provided. Daybreak Shelter is not only a shelter, they also provide 3 meals a day to the public - it is also a local warming and cooling shelter/emergency weather shelter in adverse weather. Although the Point in Time counts have been lower this year than in the past, they continue to provide vital services to Homeless and at-risk of homeless population within Joliet."

PUBLIC COMMENT

This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding non-agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff, and the Committee members do not generally respond to public comments. The City Clerk has a copy of the public speaking procedures; please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the meeting shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.

"Deputy Chief for the Joliet Fire Department John Koch spoke on the "Community Cares" and Risk Reduction Meetings that are held bi-weekly. This group is comprised of local service organizations to bring assistance to a round table of individuals, and to provide a warm hand-off of referrals to those in the community with needs that their organizations may not be able to solely provide. Services provided include a strong emphasis on mental health, homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, elder abuse, suicide and more. These services can be accessed in CitizenVue, as well as the City of Joliet website at https://www.joliet.gov/government/departments/fire-department/resources/community-care -program ."

ADJOURNMENT

https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2024/8/2189_M_Committee_on_Citizens_with_Disabilities_24-08-20_Meeting_Minutes.pdf